There is very little to like, let alone love, in Michael Caine's latest venture, writes Mark Orton.
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore
Cast: Michael Caine, Clemence Poesy, Justin Kirk, Jane Alexander, Gillian Anderson
Rating: (M)
2 stars out of 5
As soon as Michael Caine appears on screen, a couple of things are instantly apparent. He looks every bit his 80 years and his skill with accents hasn't improved. So quite why he was cast as an American widower living in Paris seems a little odd.
Feigning a fraught attempt to end his life, Michael Morgan (Caine) can't seem to imagine a life without his wife Joan (Jane Alexander). Bumbling his way around both his cavernous apartment and Parisian streets, Morgan's loneliness is intensified by his stubborn refusal to learn French. So, why is he bothering to stay in France, especially when he has no interest in the culture?
However, the story must go on and when young and attractive dance teacher Pauline (Clemence Poesy) takes a shine to Mr Morgan, they develop an unlikely relationship. Somehow, Pauline's life is so unfulfilled she needs to look after Mr Morgan. Thankfully, any thoughts of a Hugh Hefner-type fantasy are quickly dispelled when Morgan has another go at taking his life and unfortunately survives.
This is a cue to introduce two new characters, his son Miles (Justin Kirk) and daughter Karen (Gillian Anderson). At this point we haven't even reached halfway, so there is plenty of time for overacting, as Caine slips Cockneyisms into his crazy American drawl, and his kids rave about what a bad dad he was.
Feeling very much like an attempt to get Caine back in front of the camera, Mr Morgan's Last Love is light years from his best work.
Best thing: Clemence Poesy's effort among the shambles.
Worst thing: The banality.
See it with: Your father, though he probably won't thank you.
